69 pages • 2 hours read
Crime and Punishment
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Book Brief
671
Novel • Fiction
Saint Petersburg • 1860s
1866
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of a poor, paranoid student named Raskolnikov who, believing himself to be extraordinary, commits a murder to prove his superiority and descends into a spiral of guilt and paranoia, grappling with the psychological repercussions of his actions. Sensitive topics include murder and mental illness.
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
943,469 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is lauded for its deep psychological insight and complex character development, particularly Raskolnikov’s moral dilemmas. Critics appreciate its exploration of guilt and redemption, though some find the narrative dense and the pacing slow. Overall, it remains a profound and thought-provoking masterpiece in Russian literature.
Who Should Read Crime and Punishment?
Readers who enjoy complex psychological drama, moral dilemmas, and in-depth character studies will appreciate Crime and Punishment. Fans of classic literature like Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Kafka's The Trial will find Dostoevsky's exploration of guilt and redemption compelling.
943,469 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sonia Marmeladova
Sonia Marmeladova
Sonia, daughter of Marmeladov, becomes a prostitute to support her family. She embodies moral strength and faith, serving as Raskolnikov's moral compass.
Porfiry Petrovitch
Porfiry Petrovitch
Porfiry is the local magistrate investigating Raskolnikov's crime. He is rational and authority-driven, seeking to lead Raskolnikov to confession and redemption.
Dunia Raskolnikova
Dunia Raskolnikova
Dunia is Raskolnikov’s intelligent and moral sister. Motivated by a desire to help her family, she navigates complex relationships and finds love with Razumikhin.
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
Arkady Ivanovich Svidrigailov
Svidrigailov is a wealthy, immoral womanizer with a debauched lifestyle, serving as a warning to Raskolnikov about the dangers of his theories.
Razumikhin
Razumikhin
Razumikhin is Raskolnikov’s hardworking and optimistic friend. Unlike Raskolnikov, he remains sociable and supportive, eventually finding love with Dunia.
671
Novel • Fiction
Saint Petersburg • 1860s
1866
Adult
18+ years
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